Assistant Manager

Description:

Job Title: Assistant Manager

Location: Inverness

Salary: Based on Experience

Our client is seeking an experienced Assistant Manager to join their Inverness office. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing a diverse client portfolio, preparing year-end accounts and financial statements, reviewing management accounts, and ensuring compliance with HMRC and Companies House regulations. The role requires strong technical accounting knowledge across UK GAAP frameworks, corporation tax, VAT, and balance sheet reconciliations, alongside proficiency in software including Xero, QuickBooks, Sage, IRIS, and Excel. The candidate will also supervise and mentor junior staff, oversee workflow planning, support process improvements, and maintain strong client relationships while delivering a high standard of service and accuracy.

Technical Skills:

Extensive experience preparing year-end accounts for: 

Sole traders 
Partnerships 
Limited companies 

Preparation of financial statements 
Preparing working papers and audit files (if required). 
Knowledge of FRS 105, FRS 102 (1A), and other UK GAAP frameworks 
Adjusting journal entries, accruals, and prepayments 
Reconciling balance sheet accounts including bank, control, and suspense accounts 
Correctly dealing with HP, leases and loans
Good working knowledge of director’s loans, dividends and S455 tax
Familiarity with trial balance reviews and correcting entries 
Preparing corporation tax computations and basic personal tax returns 
Sound understanding of VAT and VAT return preparation 
Review and preparation of management accounts and relevant reports for clients
Ensuring all financial records are compliant with HMRC and Companies House regulations 
Reviewing work prepared by junior team members for quality and accuracy
Software Skills: 

Proficient in accounting software, including: 

Xero 
QuickBooks Online 
Freeagent
Sage 50 / Sage Business Cloud 

Experience using tax and accounts production software IRIS
Skilled in Microsoft Excel
Comfortable working with digital document and workflow systems (e.g., Dext, Hubdoc) 
Familiar with practice management systems- Iris and SPS
Interpersonal & Communication Skills: 

Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Able to present financial information clearly to non-finance individuals
Skilled at handling client queries, meetings, and correspondence
Builds strong, long-term relationships with clients and internal teams
Diplomatic and professional when managing sensitive client or staff issues
Organisational & Analytical Skills: 

Strong attention to detail and high accuracy standards
Capable of analysing financial data to identify trends or discrepancies
Well-organised and efficient under pressure
Effective multitasking and time management skills
Proactive and solution-oriented with continuous improvement mindset
Able to manage competing demands and tight deadlines across clients
Supervisory & Leadership Skills:

Supervising and mentoring junior team members and trainees
Reviewing and providing feedback on work prepared by junior staff
Leading by example in quality of work and client service
Supporting professional development and training plans
Conducting or contributing to performance reviews
Encouraging adherence to internal processes and best practices
Management Skills:

Managing a portfolio of clients across different sectors
Planning and monitoring workflow to ensure deadlines are met
Overseeing job allocation and team capacity planning
Reviewing client profitability and identifying efficiency improvements
Developing and maintaining strong client relationships
Liaising with partners to provide updates on client work and issues
Assisting with practice development initiatives and internal improvements
Supporting the implementation of new systems and processes
Ensuring compliance with internal controls and quality assurance standards (e.g. ISQM 1)